Montag, 15. Oktober 2012
Sonntag, 23. September 2012
Helsinki - September 2012
Helsinki is windy.
I was only in Helsinki for about 25 hours for two meetings but it was a learning experience for several reasons......
Firstly, do your homework on 'dog friendly' places. Like Stockholm, Finland has some great outdoorsy places, but slightly draconian laws about dogs near food. We got kicked out of an outdoor cafe. And out of the restaurant in the airport (although the staff very kindly served us outside in the outer-bar area). I have never been kicked out of an outdoor cafe or an airport restaurant!!!! I talked to our hotel concierge about this and he explained that the regulations are very strict on this, although there are moves to have it changed. If I had done my homework and read these sites on 'pet-friendly Finland' beforehand, it might have been a smoother trip:
Secondly, taking the ferry to Finland was an option I explored (Viking Line takes dogs), but I didn't have a place to put him whilst I was at my meeting. And in any case I ended up requesting a late check out....
...so, thirdly, consider researching pet baby-sitters.
Finally, do you homework with entry requirements! There is freedom of movement (of people) within the Schengen Zone, but customs officials should still check dogs and cats. Fortunately (in this case) this does not always happen and there wasn't even a customs official on the desk when we landed in Helsinki. I had sort of assumed that entry requirements within Schengen were the same and that all I needed was his passport with proof of rabies vaccination. Actually, dogs need to be treated for tapeworm same as for entry into the UK. I found this out after I got home and was researching....also, Norway has also introduced tapeworm treatment for movement between Norway and Sweden. However - unlike entry into Finland or the UK which requires a veterinarian's stamp, you can administer the treatment yourself and sign a form 'on the honour system.'
The point is - check at least a week before you travel on the 'official' site. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site still states there are no restrictions between Norway and Sweden but the Food Safety Authority has the updated information. Similarly, About.com is incorrectly states that no tapeworm treatment is needed between Sweden and Finland, but the their Food Safety Authority (sort of) clearly states that this is required.
I was only in Helsinki for about 25 hours for two meetings but it was a learning experience for several reasons......
Firstly, do your homework on 'dog friendly' places. Like Stockholm, Finland has some great outdoorsy places, but slightly draconian laws about dogs near food. We got kicked out of an outdoor cafe. And out of the restaurant in the airport (although the staff very kindly served us outside in the outer-bar area). I have never been kicked out of an outdoor cafe or an airport restaurant!!!! I talked to our hotel concierge about this and he explained that the regulations are very strict on this, although there are moves to have it changed. If I had done my homework and read these sites on 'pet-friendly Finland' beforehand, it might have been a smoother trip:
https://de.foursquare.com/user/1212139/list/dog-friendly-cafes-and-restaurants
http://www.petguidefinland.com/111
Secondly, taking the ferry to Finland was an option I explored (Viking Line takes dogs), but I didn't have a place to put him whilst I was at my meeting. And in any case I ended up requesting a late check out....
...so, thirdly, consider researching pet baby-sitters.
Finally, do you homework with entry requirements! There is freedom of movement (of people) within the Schengen Zone, but customs officials should still check dogs and cats. Fortunately (in this case) this does not always happen and there wasn't even a customs official on the desk when we landed in Helsinki. I had sort of assumed that entry requirements within Schengen were the same and that all I needed was his passport with proof of rabies vaccination. Actually, dogs need to be treated for tapeworm same as for entry into the UK. I found this out after I got home and was researching....also, Norway has also introduced tapeworm treatment for movement between Norway and Sweden. However - unlike entry into Finland or the UK which requires a veterinarian's stamp, you can administer the treatment yourself and sign a form 'on the honour system.'
The point is - check at least a week before you travel on the 'official' site. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs site still states there are no restrictions between Norway and Sweden but the Food Safety Authority has the updated information. Similarly, About.com is incorrectly states that no tapeworm treatment is needed between Sweden and Finland, but the their Food Safety Authority (sort of) clearly states that this is required.
Stockholm Archipelago
The Stockholm Archipelago (skärgård in Swedish), is comprised of over 30,000 islands and extends from central Stockholm out into the Baltic. We went out to the island of Finhamn for some exploring.
The boat ride takes about 3 hours, but worth it for the views as it navigates through the island channels. Dogs have to stay on the bottom deck but that isn't a problem and all the boats have a snack bar and comfy seats.
Once we got to Finnhamn we did some hiking. I have a pack from ToughTraveler that I have mentioned before, but at this point Fritz has so much energy he is good to go for a day hike.
General rules in the archipelago are that dogs are allowed off leash from end of August until around end of May but must be on-leash in the summer and in nature reserves. All of Finnhamn is a nature reserve so I was being a bit naughty here. Finnhamn is also home to a great restaurant and an organic farm.
Swedes love taking dogs on adventures. Just remember a life vest!
Freitag, 24. August 2012
Practical points - Dogs on trains
Fritz likes to ride on trains.
Each country's rail service is a bit different when it comes to trains. In Sweden, dogs must be pre-booked as there is one carriage designated for dogs. In the UK dogs can ride anywhere (although if the dog is taking up a seat or you have multiple dogs you may be charged extra). In Switzerland, tiny dogs are free, whilst small and large dogs need a 1/2 price ticket. Apparently dogs in Belgium cost up €2,20 but I have never been charged. Similarly, pets on French rail cost €6 if in a bag and the cost of a 1/2 price ticket if on your lap/nearby you but I have never been charged either.
Generally assume dogs are allowed - except for the Eurostar which is absurdly dog-unfriendly in contrast to all the other rail services. Still a good idea to check the websites before you travel for more updated information.
Swiss rail
SJ (Sweden)
Deutsche Bahn
National Rail (UK)
Belgian Rail
French Rail
Each country's rail service is a bit different when it comes to trains. In Sweden, dogs must be pre-booked as there is one carriage designated for dogs. In the UK dogs can ride anywhere (although if the dog is taking up a seat or you have multiple dogs you may be charged extra). In Switzerland, tiny dogs are free, whilst small and large dogs need a 1/2 price ticket. Apparently dogs in Belgium cost up €2,20 but I have never been charged. Similarly, pets on French rail cost €6 if in a bag and the cost of a 1/2 price ticket if on your lap/nearby you but I have never been charged either.
Generally assume dogs are allowed - except for the Eurostar which is absurdly dog-unfriendly in contrast to all the other rail services. Still a good idea to check the websites before you travel for more updated information.
Swiss rail
SJ (Sweden)
Deutsche Bahn
National Rail (UK)
Belgian Rail
French Rail
Sonntag, 19. August 2012
Copenhagen
In Copenhagen we stayed at the First Hotel Skt Petri which is in a fantastic location, central and close to all the main attractions. It's also only a few blocks from Ørstedsparken. Dogs are meant to be on-leash in the park but I saw this loosely enforced. Also, next to the park in the median strip on Nørre Voldgade is a fenced in dog park. I know it sounds strange, but it works. Copenhagen is known for bicycles and being very cycle friendly - and as a result there is little car traffic in the centre relative to other cities.
We were only in Copenhagen for a day and a half so not enough time to really explore. I talked to some dog owners in the park, though and they said dogs are allowed into a lot of cafes but that there aren't enough off-leash places.
Also, I forgot to bring dog food and the hotel very kindly made us up a plate of steak and potatoes. All organic, of course!
Fritz goes to the beach
The island of Långholmen is in Lake Mälaren, right in central Stockholm. It's mostly car-free and home to a nature reserve and several beaches with fantastic views of the city. Dogs are allowed off-leash on about half of the island and there's a nice beach where they can go for a swim.
Donnerstag, 2. August 2012
Shopping in London
Fritz and I had a day out in Belgravia/Knightsbridge.
We started at Mungo & Maud, one of our favourite pet shops. Then we walked to Sloan Square and up Sloan Street. Everywhere was dog-friendly - Christian Louboutin, Smythson, Mont Blanc, Moncler, Louis Vuitton and Missoni. At Smythson they even told me to let him off the leash and let him run around the shop. I kept him on-leash at Louboutin, though, since he loves to eat shoes.
And then we went to Harrods, which I certainly recommend for pet-lovers. Harrods Pet Kingdom sells animals so for health reasons you must bring proof of vaccinations/a pet passport with you. Dogs are not allowed into the rest of the store so if you report to Door 3, the security guard will ring up to the Pet Kingdom who will send someone down to escort you. They have a great selection of animal toys, treats and accessories - and even a pet bakery! And Fritz made friends with the helpful staff as you can see below.
And if you want to shop in the rest of Harrods? Leave your dog at the dog spa! They offer everything from grooming to massages. There is also a daycare service where you can leave your dog whilst you wander around (booking recommended).
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